A new AFC international competition, to replace the AFC Challenge Cup, has been proposed to take place in November 2016 and September 2020 for the continent’s lowest-ranked teams who have little opportunity to organise international friendly matches. http://www.the-afc.com/competitions-division/afc-competitions-committee-decisions
Looks like the next qualifying phase for WC/AC will be the similar 40 teams into groups of 8, based on the above 2016 and 2020 competitions. Will the winner be given a direct entry into Asian Cup? I hope not, as these teams are quiet weak. Personally, I would prefer to throw all 46 teams into the qualification grouping phase (maybe more groups, or lesser groups, whatever) but give all teams a chance to play. I know some scorelines will be just too big, but Asia need to bridge the gap
It's easy to include all 46 teams to the format they used this time. It would be six groups of six teams and two groups of five teams. 36+10=46. Number of groups (at the moment) is perfect. If it goes up to, let's say 12 groups, it ain't good as there would be less opportunity for minnows to play and to be in action. They already have 10 matchdays and there would be no problems with schedules at all. I don't like this new AFC Challenge Cup. Ridiculous. Those teams would be in action for only few weeks in four years time. Pathetic.
That's a good point that there is already 10 match days so 6 groups 6 and 2 of 5.. To give all 46 teams a chance and playing time.... Question is, now that the big teams have played minnows and here were some big score lines, will the big nations want this qualifying method again...
In UEFA they don't care about that. England and Germany have to play the likes of San Marino and Liechtenstein. Minnows can surprise as well. Macau just drew 0-0 away to Malaysia earlier this year. They need more playing opportunities, not fewer.
The article states Aren't there 3 teams eliminated in the Asian Cup playoffs? I guess it could be the 3 teams eliminated plus NMI, at the Solidarity Cup. Or are they worried Kuwait's suspension won't be lifted and they will need to include the best play-off loser in the Asian Cup Qualifying 3rd Round.